Skip to content
easybpt
Browse topics

Rheumatology

Fibromyalgia

Chronic widespread pain with fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive symptoms, diagnosed positively with the 2016 ACR criteria after a few targeted tests. Exercise is the only strongly recommended treatment; low-dose amitriptyline or duloxetine help some, and opioids don't.

Tier 1Condition

Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made

3 questions8 flashcards

At a glance

  • Chronic widespread pain with fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive symptoms ("fibro fog"), lasting at least 3 months. Prevalence is about 2 to 4%, higher in women and in middle age.
  • It is nociplastic pain: altered central pain processing without tissue damage or nerve injury to explain it.
  • Diagnose it positively with the 2016 ACR criteria after a small set of tests to exclude mimics. Endless investigation reinforces illness beliefs.

Loading the rest of the note…

Finished reading?

Test yourself on it:3 questions8 flashcards

Sources

Last updated
14 November 2026
What changed
  • 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy

Send feedback

Type of feedback

The page you're on and your device type are attached automatically.